Animal barrier

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a barrier similar to a traditional fence but installed below grade. The invention complements the traditional above ground fence by continuing the barrier to ingress and egress to below the bottom of a fence and to below the surface of the earth below the vertical plane of the above ground fence, thus impeding those animals which would breach the above ground fence by the common means of digging or burrowing under the fence. Another application of the invention is to provide such a dig-under barrier to animals which will burrow under the perimeter of a concrete garage floor slab or similar structure with the intent of creating a den or nest.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices meant to prevent animals from digging below the surface of the earth to breach the barrier imposed by a traditional fence. Also, the present invention creates a barrier to animals attempting to dig below the earth's surface in order to form a hollow place under a concrete slab or similar structure to create a den or nest.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Often the effectiveness of a traditional fence to confine a dog to a backyard is negated by the dog digging below the earth's surface directly under the bottom of said fence to create a space large enough to squeeze under said fence to gain egress from confinement; or a dog or other animal may do the same to gain ingress to an area meant to be protected from such animals. The present invention provides a barrier to such digging attempts to gain egress or ingress.

Also, the effectiveness of traditional chicken wire used to confine chickens and offer protection from chicken eating animals can be negated if a fox or raccoon or other animal can dig under the chicken wire to gain access to the chickens. The present invention is a barrier to such digging or burrowing attempts to gain access to protected areas.

Also, raccoons or skunks or possums or similar animals often create a den below a concrete garage floor or concrete porch by the action of digging a hollow space under that concrete structure. The present invention, installed by one skilled in the art, would prevent such animals from accessing that place under such a said concrete structure to attempt to create a den. Further, wood decks built close to the ground are often seen as ideal places to live by the above mentioned and other kinds of small animals. These decks are often built close enough to the ground to not allow the aforementioned animals to easily walk under at the perimeter; or have traditional chicken wire types of barriers installed at the perimeters continuing down to the earth's surface or have traditional types of fences so installed so as to prevent the ingress of said animals. However, these barriers are relatively easy to defeat by digging under these barriers. The present invention is a very useful apparatus to prevent such dig-under activity.

BRIEF SUMMERY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth in this patent application in five unique embodiments.

The first embodiment is a rigid underground apparatus provided in sections. Referring now to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 depicts the said embodiment by a side view, 1 (opposite view is similar); a front view, 2 (rear view is similar); a top view, 3; a bottom view, 4; and a perspective view, 5. This embodiment of the present invention is produced in convenient length sections. Front view 2, depicts a sturdy rigid top element comprising elements 6 and 61, from which extend permanently attached sturdy rigid tines, 7. These said tines, 7, are inserted through and below the earth's surface by the action of repeated blows of a hammer, 10, upon the said sturdy top element, consisting of 6 and 61. Multiple said sections of the invention so inserted end to end, by one skilled in the art, create an underground (“Underground” indicated by the arrow 57) barrier as indicated by perspective view 5; which illustrates the embodiment of the present invention.

The second embodiment of the present invention also consists of a rigid barrier apparatus also provided in convenient sections. Referring now to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 depicts by a side view, 11, (the opposite side view is similar but reverse); a front view, 12; a top view, 13; a bottom view, 17; and a perspective view, 14; the second embodiment. Each section is a single piece of rigid material. The pointed elements, 15, of the one piece shape are inserted into the earth's surface (the numeral 8 arrows indicate the earth's surface) by repeated heavy blows from a hammer, 10, upon the flat top of the one piece shape. Holes, 16, are provided in the said flat top of the shape to facilitate fastening above ground materials as might be required to complement and complete an effective barrier.

Referring now to FIG. 3 which illustrates the third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment consists of a rigid bar, 18, cut to the length required for a particular installation situation, by one skilled in the art, from traditional length stock pieces of the present invention. The said bar, 18, contains holes, 19, created completely through the said bar. Said holes, 19, being located in a plane through the center longitudinal axis of said bar 18. The spacing of the holes, 19, is such that the interval spacing of said holes, 19, would be the minimum spacing of the tines, 20, center to center. Said tines, 20, make up the barrier consisting of these tines which is the animal barrier which is the present invention. Therefore closer spacing of said holes, 19, would allow an underground fence more of a barrier to smaller animals and conversely less close spacing of holes 19 would allow less of a barrier to smaller animals. Further, multiples of the distance of the spacing of holes, 19, achieved by placing a said tine, 20, at every other hole, 19, or every third hole, 19, would determine the barrier provided to different size animals. Illustrated in said perspective view 21 of said FIG. 3 herein now being referenced, is this third embodiment as installed by one skilled in the art to add underground dig-under protection to an above ground fence consisting of traditional poultry netting; sometimes referred to as chicken wire fencing or woven wire fencing; indicated by arrow 28. The said poultry netting type material, 28, is illustrated intertwined or rolled onto or otherwise entangled with the rigid bar, 18, and tines, 20, of the present third embodiment of the invention to allow said poultry netting type material to be fastened to the present invention so that when that rigid bar, 18, is held fast to the earth's surface, 8, by the times, 20, of the invention, the said fencing material, 28, is also held fast to the earth, 8, thus presenting an above ground barrier completely to the earth's surface, 8, and also a below the earth's surface barrier created by the appropriately spaced tines, 20, driven individually by a hammer into appropriate holes, 19, of the rigid bar, 20, of the present invention.

This heretofore presented third embodiment of the present invention is an ideal embodiment for a protective barrier against dig-under below a gate. Referring now to FIG. 6. A front view, 29, illustrates a traditional gate, 30, between two posts, 31; the view, 29, is of an above the earth's surface (above the earth's surface is indicated by arrow 8) and below the earth's surface (below the earth's surface areas are indicated by arrow 57) situation. The rigid bar, 18 is installed on the earth's surface, 8, directly below the bottom of the said gate, 30. Said gate, 30, is constructed so as to have a minimum gap between said rigid bar, 18, and bottom of said gate, 30. Tines, 20, are driven through holes, 19, in bar, 18, into the earth to create a dig-under barrier, which is the present invention, below the gate. The arrow 33 indicates a perspective view of the same configuration illustrated in front view 29. Refer to FIG. 3. for an illustration of holes, 19.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention creates the same underground barrier, which is the invention, where the surface of the ground might not be level or a fence not straight or a fence has a gap between the bottom of the said fence and the ground surface directly below the fence where animals can walk or squeeze through the gap and under the said fence Referring now to FIG. 4. and FIG. 7. The front view, 34, of the grade angle element, 40, and the side view, 37, and the top view, 35, and the bottom view, 36, depict a semi-rigid grade angle, 40, of the embodiment which is a 90 degree angle and supplied in traditional stocking lengths of the present invention, generally twelve feet or ten feet long. As illustrated by perspective view, 60, of FIG. 7, where the broken lines indicate the partially hidden shape of cut-out notches, 39; the said angle, 40, can be bent, to the contour of the ground or to the curve of an irregular line of fence, as allowed by the cut-out notches element, 39, of the embodiment. Said cut-out notches, 39, are spaced appropriately along both the horizontal and vertical legs of the grade angle, 40. The tines, 20, are of different lengths for different installation job conditions but all are similar to a typical tine, 20, as in view 38. The tines, 20, are driven through every hole, 19, as illustrated in front view 58, or every other hole, as in front view 59. Tines, 20, driven by a traditional hammer through every hole results in a barrier to smaller animals, view 58. Tines, 20, driven into every other hole, results in a barrier for larger animals, view 59. Referring still to FIG. 4, and to view 42. When a situation arises that a gap, 41, exists between the top of the installed grade angle, 40, and a traditional fence, 43, as depicted in perspective view, 42; and the said gap, 41, is large enough to allow an undesired animal to breach the fence, 43, above the surface of the earth, 8; the present invention contains purpose sized holes, 44, to facilitate installing a poultry netting type barrier, 28, between the fence bottom and the grade angle, 40, as illustrated in perspective view, 42; attached to the fence, 43, by staples, 45.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 5, is ideal where an underground barrier is required to prevent animals from digging under a concrete slab or other similar structure. This fifth embodiment is the least difficult to conceal with landscaping materials. Refer now to FIG. 5. Arrow 46 indicates a front view of the fifth embodiment. Arrow 48 indicates a top view (bottom view is similar) and 47 indicates a end or side view (opposite side is similar). Arrow 49 indicates a perspective view of the somewhat flexible element, 51, of the embodiment with some tines, 20, inserted. Arrow 50 indicates a view of tines, 20, of a typical length. Tines, 20, are provided un-inserted or “loose” in this fifth embodiment and also in the third and fourth embodiments. Arrow 32 indicates a head element of a tine, 20, whose purpose is to prevent said tine, 20, from traveling entirely through a hole, 19. Arrow 9 indicates a point element of a tine, 20, whose purpose is to allow said tine to more easily penetrate the earth's surface. Tine, 20, length is determined by job conditions of the unique installation. Holes, 19, in the flexible element, 51, are spaced at the minimum spacing and tines, 20, are inserted into whatever holes, 19, the barrier density requires. Arrow 52 indicates a typical cross section construction drawing of a traditional concrete slab on grade. The perimeter edge, 53, is traditionally thicker than the field of the slab, 54; poured over a typical stone base, 55. The present invention elements, 20 and 51, would traditionally be included as on said drawing, 52, and also noted on the drawing, 52, or referenced in the construction specifications. The present invention could typically be referred to in a said note or specification as “provide perimeter animal dig-under protection at the entire slab” or other similar wording. Arrow 56 indicates a perspective view of a corner of a typical concrete slab on grade with the present invention installed at the perimeter and providing dig-under protection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Illustrates five views of the first embodiment of the invention. The numbered arrows identify the elements of the invention and the elements of the drawings.

FIG. 2. Illustrates five views of the second embodiment of the invention. The numbered arrows identify the elements of the invention and the elements of the drawings.

FIG. 3. Illustrates six views of the third embodiment of the invention. The numbered arrows identify the elements of the invention and the elements of the drawings.

FIG. 4. Illustrates eight views of the fourth embodiment of the invention. The numbered arrows identify the elements of the invention and the elements of the drawings.

FIG. 5. Illustrates six views of the fifth embodiment of the invention including a traditional construction drawing showing the fifth embodiment and a also perspective view depicting the said embodiment installed on a typical concrete slab on grade. The numbered arrows identify the elements of the invention and the elements of the drawings.

FIG. 6 Illustrates two views of how the third embodiment of the invention might be installed and practiced by one skilled in the art to provide the benefits of the invention to a traditional gate used for ingress and egress for an enclosure.

FIG. 7. Is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the invention which illustrates the semi-rigid angle element formed into a bent and contoured configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive, nor limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. The embodiments shown and herein described enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention.

With reference first to the first embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1. Arrow number 2 points to a front view of an apparatus that is generally a row of permanently attached tines, 7, attached to a rigid top bar element made up of element 61 and element 6. Arrow 3 indicates a top view of said apparatus showing that said rigid top bar element is constructed of two elements, 61 and 6, configured to withstand the force delivered by the hammer, 10, in order to drive the points, 9, of tines, 7, through the earth's surface, 8, and below, 57. Arrow 1 indicates a side view of the said apparatus. Arrow 4 show the said tines, 7, and top bar element, 6, from a bottom view. Arrow 5 points to a perspective view of the apparatus being driven into the earth's surface, 8, by hammer 10 striking repeated blows to the rigid top member. The invention can be installed, per perspective view 5, in multiple examples so placed end to end where ever needed to block burrowing animals.

With reference now to the second embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2. This embodiment is presented as being economical to produce because it is one piece. As illustrated, it can be stamped and bent from one piece of metal. The bend is illustrated in end view 11. The holes, 16, present in the flat top element as shown in top view 13, bottom view 17 and as broken lines in front view 12, are provided to attach a piece of screening or chicken wire or similar material to close a possible walk-under or squeeze-under gap between the bottom of a fence and the top of this dig-under barrier; which is the present invention. This said gap might exist where the said embodiment is installed under a fence. If a gap between fence and the apparatus exists during the practice of any embodiment of the present invention; and is not fitted with a suitable barrier; and is large enough for an animal to squeeze through or pass through; then the effectiveness of the dig-under barrier provided by the underground apparatus, which is the present invention, is of no usefulness That is the reason for the provision of an element of the invention, such as appropriate holes, which allow complementary screening, 28, (of FIG. 3) to be attached to the invention This embodiment, shown in a perspective view indicated by arrow 14, a top view 13, a bottom view 17, a front view 12 and a side view 11; is also effective as a dig-under barrier when installed end to end in multiple examples around the perimeter of a concrete slab or other structure. This embodiment, as well as the first embodiment of FIG. 1, is to be produced in manageable sections. Tine, 15, shapes and sizes are approximately as shown in FIG. 2. Arrow 10 indicates a traditional heavy hammer driving the invention through the surface of the earth, 8, and to below, 57, as depicted in perspective view 14. An advantage of the present invention in all herein embodiments is that the present invention requires no digging to install by one skilled in the art. Removal of the apparatus is simple with minimum soil disturbance. This second embodiment can be easily removed, relocated and reused or recycled.

Refer now to FIG. 3. A third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 3. The third embodiment consists generally of a length of rigid the metal bar element of the invention, 18, containing a plurality of appropriately sized and spaced holes, 19, drilled or otherwise created parallel to each other and perpendicular to the length of said bar along the length of said bar, 18. The said bar, 18, is supplied in traditional stock lengths of the said invention, twelve feet or ten feet, and then cut to the specific length required for a particular application. The rigid bar element, 18, is placed on the surface of the earth, 8, where an underground barrier to burrowing animals, which is the invention, is desired. If said barrier is to be located approximately below a flexible fence consisting of poultry netting, 28, or similar material as depicted in perspective view 21, then the said rigid bar, 18, can be placed onto the bottom most portion of said fencing, 28, or otherwise engaged or entwined or entangled or attached to the material of the said bottom of the said above ground fencing, 28. Then the tines element, 20, of the invention are inserted into holes, 19, of the said rigid bar, 18. Then the said tines, 20, are driven through the said bar, 18, via the said holes, 19, and through the earth's surface, 8, to below the earth's surface, 57; continuing with said driving of tines, 20, until the head, 32, of the said tine, 20, is tight to the said rigid bar, 18, and tight to the said fencing, 28, and tight to the earth, 8. This procedure is repeated for every hole, 19, of the bar, 18, to create an underground barrier, which is the invention, with spaces as depicted in front view, 23; or this said procedure may be repeated for every other hole, 19, as in a barrier with spaces as depicted in front view 24; or utilizing other holes, 19, to achieve other spacing of said tines, 20. Practicing the invention by performing the procedure described above will create a situation as depicted in perspective view, 21, of FIG. 3 thus providing a method to hold the bottom of said fencing, 28, close and tight to the earth's surface, 8, and thus provide a barrier above ground, 8, and below ground, 57, to burrowing animals. Arrow 27 indicates a top view of said third embodiment of the invention. Arrow 34 indicates a side view and 26 a front view of element 18 empty of tine, 20, elements. Arrow 22 indicates a front view of a typical tine, 20. Arrow 25 indicates a front view of a typical tine, 20, inserted completely into rigid bar, 18, so that the tine's head, 32, is tight to said bar, 18.

Refer now to FIG. 6 which illustrates the use of the third embodiment of the invention, as described in detail above, as a barrier to burrowing animal as practiced under a traditional gate, arrow 30. Arrow 29 indicates a front view of said gate, 30, illustrating both above ground, 8, and below ground, 57, conditions. Arrow 33 indicates a perspective view of the same said gate and conditions. The same said installation details as written above concerning the third embodiment of the invention would apply generally to an installation under a gate. Of course the bottom of the gate could not be attached to the present invention. This said fact requires that the construction of the said gate, 30, be such that a minimum gap be allowed between the bottom of the gate, 30, and the top of the tines, 20, and the rigid bar, 18. The said gap must not be large enough to allow squeeze-under by an animal intended to be confined of excluded. The present invention installed as indicated in FIG. 6 will provide a very useful dig-under barrier between gate posts, 31.

Refer now to FIG. 4 and FIG. 7. which illustrates the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As in common with the third embodiment detailed previously, and the fifth embodiment whose detailed description is forthcoming, the herein fourth embodiment has a tine element, 20, which is provided un-attached from other elements of the invention. The said tines, 20, of FIG. 4 are depicted fully and also partially inserted into the semi-rigid angle element, 40, in the front views of the embodiment numbered 58 and 59. The view 58 depicts tines, 20, in every hole, 19, and view 59 depicts tines, 20, in every other hole, 19, thus presenting a dig-under barrier, which is adjustable so as to be effective to different sizes of burrowing animals. The semi-rigid angle, 40, illustrated by said views 58 and 59, both shown with said tines, and also side view 37, top view 35, bottom view, 36, and front view 34, shown without said tines, can be bent with some accuracy. This unique two way bending capability is allowed by “V” shaped cut-out notches, 39, located at intervals along both legs of the semi-rigid angle, 40. The said cut-outs weaken the rigidity of the said angle, 40. The reason the said angle, 40, might need to be bent and contoured is that said angle, 40, might be installed directly below the vertical plane of a typical above ground fence where the ground surface, 8, directly below said fence may vary in elevation while the horizontal plane determined by the bottom of the said fence remains level and constant; such as where a drainage ditch or swale runs perpendicular to and under said fence, 43. For this situation the semi-rigid angle, 40, can be bent to conform to the changing elevation of the said grade, 8, below said fence, 43. Further, where the said ground surface, 8, elevation dips far below the bottom of said fence, 43, and thus the angle, 40, also dips, creating an easy passage space for animals under said fence with no need to burrow, then holes, 44, provided in said angle, 40, are used to facilitate closing said space, 41, by attaching a complementary fencing material, 28, such as chicken wire, between the said angle, 40, via said holes, 44, and the bottom of the fence, 43, using fasteners such as staples, 45. Such a situation is illustrated in the perspective view 42 of said FIG. 4. If the said complementary fencing material, 28, attached to the element of the said angle, 40, to close the said gap, 41, are omitted and the gap 41, is large enough to allow animals to walk under or squeeze under the said fence and the said gap remains unclosed, then the barrier to dig-under afforded by the present invention is not effective to prevent escape or intrusion by burrowing animals.

Refer now to FIG. 5 which illustrates a fifth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is ideal for dig-under protection for a typical concrete slab on grade garage floor or similar structure; also a sidewalk or equipment pad where animals might burrow under to create a den or home or nest. FIG. 5 illustrates a top view, 46; an end view, 47; and a front view, 48 of the said fifth embodiment. The flexible containing element, 51, of the invention could be produced in traditional lengths or rolls of traditional lengths. Perspective view 49 illustrates a section of said flexible containing element, 51, with typical tine elements, 20, inserted completely and also partially into the holes, 19, in said flexible element, 51. View 50 illustrates typical tines, 20, which include their heads, 32, intended to prevent the said tines from passing entirely through the said flexible element, 51; and their points, 9, intended to more easily penetrate the earth's surface. The spacing distance between the holes, 19, of the flexible element, 51, and the intervals into which the said tines, 20, are inserted into those said holes, 19, determine the effectiveness of the underground barrier to different size animals. A said tine, 20, in every hole, 19, would render the most protective barrier. Referring now to the construction section type drawing indicated by numbered arrow 52 of FIG. 5. Said construction type drawing, 52, is traditionally a part of the construction plans and construction detail drawings prepared by an architect or engineer; along with written specifications or written notes on the drawings to specify sizes and details of a construction project. Arrow 52 indicates a typical construction detail drawing of a typical slab on grade structure for use as a garage floor slab. Arrow 54 indicates the poured concrete slab. Arrow 55 indicates the said slab is poured on gravel fill. Arrow 53 indicates a thicker portion of the slab at the perimeter sometimes called a “grade beam.” Arrows 32, 51 and 20 identify the elements of the present fifth embodiment of the present invention as installed and included in the construction drawing. The said embodiment would be a part of the construction project installed as a barrier to animals attempting to dig under the said slab perimeter. Perspective view 56 depicts the same situation as said construction drawing 52, illustrating a portion of the fifth embodiment installed at the perimeter of a slab on grade. Illustrated in said perspective view is the flexible containing element, 51, and the tine elements, 20, penetrating said flexible retaining element, 51, and the finished grade, 8, to below grade, 57, and thus providing a protective barrier dig-under activity by burrowing animals attempting to establish a den; which is a very useful purpose of the present invention. 

What I claim is:
 1. An apparatus for providing an underground barrier to burrowing animals comprising: a sturdy rigid top element; sharp pointed tines fastened securely and permanently to said top element; an apparatus of convenient sections deployed end to end to form a barrier of any size length.
 2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said sturdy rigid top element and said sharp pointed tines are configured into a one piece shape.
 3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said top element contains appropriately sized and spaced holes for the purpose of attaching fastening wire.
 4. An apparatus for providing an underground barrier to burrowing animals comprising: a sturdy rigid bar element of undeterminable length; sturdy, rigid, thin, straight tine elements of various lengths
 5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein the said bar includes appropriately sized holes created parallel to each other and appropriately spaced along the length of said bar for the purpose of allowing the said tine elements to be driven by a hammer through said bar.
 6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein said holes through which are driven said tines are spaced as close together as practical to allow said tines to be driven into every hole or every other hole or other spacing to create specific densities of the said barrier to adjust said barrier to the size of specific animals.
 7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein said tines are appropriately sized rigid, sturdy, straight, thin elements fitted loosely in said holes of said bar to be driven through said bar into the earth's surface and below as said rod lies upon the earth's surface.
 8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein said tine is further configured to include at one end an integral element for the purpose of preventing said tine from being driven entirely through said bar; traditionally referred to as a “head”.
 9. The apparatus as forth in claim 4, wherein said tine is further configured to include at the end opposite the “head” an integral element shaped for the purpose of more easily penetrating the earth's surface; traditionally referred to as a “point”.
 10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein said rigid bar element of undeterminable length is instead a sturdy flexible bar element of undeterminable length.
 11. An apparatus for providing an underground barrier to burrowing animals comprising: a sturdy semi-rigid angle element of undeterminable length; sturdy, rigid, thin, straight tine elements of various lengths driven through said semi-rigid angle at various intervals along said length of said semi-rigid angle
 12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said tines are identical to said tines as explained in claims 7, 8 and
 9. 13. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein the said semi-rigid angle includes holes which are identical to said holes and intervals explained in claims 5 and
 6. 14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein the said semi-rigid angle includes cut-out notch elements on both legs of said angle perpendicular to said length and appropriately spaced and sized to weaken the rigidness of said angle and allow said angle to be bent and contoured to fit flat on uneven terrain.
 15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein the said angle includes further additional holes unlike said holes of claim 13, wherein said additional holes are for the purpose of attaching complementary fencing to said angle.
 16. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein the measurement between the legs of said angle is ninety degrees. 